Fox- Hunting in New England. 



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BEASIMG HOME THE BRUSH. 



sense which detects it is a constant marvel. A fox started so late in 

 the day seems loath to leave his wood, and is apt to play there till a 

 shot gives to the hunter and hounds their reward. 



When one sees in the snow the intricate windings and crossings 

 and recrossings of the trail of a mousing fox, he can but wonder 

 how any dog by his nose alone can untangle such a knotted thread 

 till it shall lead him to the place where the fox has laid up for the 

 day ; yet this a good hound will unerringly do, if the scent has not 

 become too cold. To see him do this, and to follow all his care- 

 ful, sagacious work, are in nowise the least of the pleasures of this 

 sport. 



It is a favorite season for fox-hunting when the first snows have 

 fallen, for though the walking is not so good, and hounds are often 

 much inclined to follow the track by sight as well as by smell, the tell- 

 tale foot-prints show pretty plainly which way the fox has gone, how 

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